Gunpowder Falls State Park

Graham Equestrian Center

The Graham Equestrian Center (GEC) is located in Gunpowder Falls State Park. The GEC is a non-profit organization that provides an equestrian component to the park’s objective of nature tourism, and to that end, GEC, Inc. promotes and offers educational opportunities to the citizens of Maryland.

Boarding

The Graham Equestrian Center is a full care boarding facility conveniently situated only two miles north of the Baltimore Beltway on Harford Road. GEC has 22 acres of board-fenced pasture utilizing USDA approved pasture management and rotational grazing practices. Every pasture has access to large run-in sheds and the natural herd environment promotes the health and well-being of the horses.

Horses are kept in roomy stalls during inclement weather and are blanketed per the owners request during the winter. Worming and a customized feed plan are included in the cost of boarding. Trailer parking is available.

The facility has a lighted 100' x 200' outdoor arena, a 60' round pen and direct access to the trails of Gunpowder Falls State Park. Boarders at GEC also enjoy the wealth of events that GEC hosts year round.

Year-long Events and Classes

Lessons: The guiding principle of GEC is to become a premier equine educational facility in the state of Maryland. One of the highlights of their educational programs has been the weekly sessions of natural horsemanship classes.
AQHA Professional Horse Trainer Jim McDonald, leads enthusiastic classes in learning to cope with problems by using the horse’s own system of herd dynamics and interaction with the goal of achieving a more rewarding relationship for both the horse and the rider.
GEC also has a therapeutic riding program led by PATH-certified Linda Veblen for kids with disabilities to help improve their physical strength, balance, mobility and coordination.

President and Facilities Manager, Holly Labarre, and French Show Jumping champion, Sandrine Goble, have also joined the lesson program to provide an encouraging and supporting environment necessary for new and experienced riders.
Year-round lessons are available for ages 6 and up. Please call 443-617-5788 or email lessons@grahameq.org for more information.

Competitive Trail Challenges: The Graham Equestrian Center is host to American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) sanctioned Competitive Trail Challenges. Participants can register for various levels of difficulty, and ride in groups to specific obstacles where the horse and rider are judged on their performance. It is a fun and enjoyable way to spend time on the trail and get to know people.

Day of the Horse: This year the Day of the Horse will be held on October 5, 2013. The day-long event features lectures and demonstrations, vendors and a petting zoo. Visit the GEC website for more information.

2013 Events/Clinics

Training for Optimal Balance with Kristen Nelsen

Tao of Equus Workshop

Jousting 101

Dealing with a Challenging Horse (Jim McDonald)

Conscious Leadership Through the Way of the Horse

The Nature of Wisdom Epona Workshop

Be sure to visit the GEC website, where you can find information about its full care boarding facility, lesson programs and various events held throughout the year.